Multiple reports of stomach illness made by guests at the Riu Palace Tikida Agadir in Morocco

6th December 2017

We've been contacted by several holidaymakers who say that they suffered the symptoms of a stomach illness during their recent stay at the Riu Palace Tikida Agadir, where they report that a number of other guests were also affected by the symptoms of Gastroenteritis.

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The Hotel Riu Palace Tikida Agadir

Advertised by First Choice and TUI (formerly branded as Thomson) on an all-inclusive basis, the Riu Palace Tikida Agadir is located on the promenade of a private beach in Morocco, with access to nearby amenities, a golf course, and it's also not too far away from the airport. Although this hotel has a lot to offer, we've been contacted by holidaymakers who encountered issues with illness during their stay.

Reports of Gastroenteritis in Morocco

Couples and families who suffered illness at the Riu Palace Tikida Agadir have informed us that there are many other guests who were also sick during their stay, with one of our clients informing us that there were queues to speak to the resort holiday representative.

The holidaymakers who contacted us have said that they became unwell only a few days into their stay, reporting a variety of Gastroenteritis symptoms, including vomiting, foul-smelling incessant diarrhoea and abdominal pain that lasted between a few days and several weeks. For some of our clients, this has resulted in a loss of earnings as they've been unable to return to work.

Hotelier takes steps to tackle illness and hygiene issues

One of the holidaymakers who contacted us says that they spoke to the General Manager of the Riu Palace Tikida Agadir, to inform them that they had been sick and other guests were also affected. During this meeting, they say that the hotel manager informed them that there had been a problem in the hotel since the 12th October, which was possibly due to unseasonal heat creating bacteria.

Guests who have been affected have reported that the hotel staff were taking steps to combat the problem, including disposing of food, disinfecting surfaces, implementing the use of hand sanitisers at restaurant entrances, ensuring that the kitchen staff wear disposable gloves, and making sure that the rooms where affected guests stayed are disinfected and left vacant for 24 hours.

Our client reports that since this meeting, the hotel manager has denied that he admitted a problem with illness at the hotel, but only after he read a report from TUI. Our client also informed us that TUI has been aware of an issue at the Riu Palace Tikida Agadir since the 12th October.

Other guests have reported that steps were taken to prevent the spread of illness during their stay, with one of our clients informing us that they were given an advice sheet which advised them not to enter the pool while they were unwell and that they should stay in their room and avoid contact with other guests. This is not what you would expect from a holiday to Morocco.

Steps to consider if you're sick on holiday

Guests who contacted us have said that they took photos and recorded video of the poor hygiene standards at the Riu Palace Tikida Agadir. If you're sick on holiday and believe that you may be entitled to claim compensation, this can be beneficial, as your recordings can act as evidence to support that there were poor hygiene conditions at your hotel.

It's important to see a medical practitioner if you're sick abroad, and although you may be offered a remedy by a member of staff at your hotel, it's best to rely on the advice of a medical professional. Some of the holidaymakers who have been in contact with us have said that the reception staff at the Riu Palace Tikida Agadir arranged an emergency doctor for them, who subsequently provided them with a prescription that was later delivered.

Seeing a medical professional and receiving a diagnosis will usually result in effective treatment and a swift recovery, whilst it also shows that you tried to do something about your condition, which can help if you make a compensation claim once you return to the UK.

Find out if you're entitled to compensation

If you suffered a stomach illness at the Riu Palace Tikida Agadir, you may be entitled to compensation from your tour operator. A member of our travel law team can provide you with a free no-obligation consultation, during which we can assess your case and advise you of the options available to pursue your complaint, including whether we can help you to make a 'no win no fee' compensation claim.